While addressing the media Monday at the minor-league training facility, John Lackey was asked about where he worked out in the offseason. "Actually, I was in California most of the time because my wife was getting some treatment out there," he said.

Later, Lackey explained to WEEI.com that the "treatment" Krista Lackey was undergoing throughout the offseason was to combat breast cancer, which the Red Sox' pitcher's wife was diagnosed with just prior to Thanksgiving.

Lackey, who was wearing a pink "Power Balance" bracelet on his left wrist as a way to further breast cancer awareness, explained that Krista "was doing really good," and the University of New Hampshire graduate had caught the disease at a very early stage. The pitcher also wore sneakers with the Lance Armstrong motto "Livestrong" printed across them.

Lackey said at his introductory press conference with the Red Sox following the 2009 season that Krista, a Maine native, was a driving force in terms of encouraging the pitcher to sign a free-agent contract with the Sox.

And no, it's not an excuse for his 2010 struggles. She was diagnosed after the season.

I wouldn't call it an excuse, but I doubt the miscarriage she suffered at the start of the season (mentioned in CHB's piece--and I'm sure it's the reason he nearly missed his first start) helped much. Probably not the start to their life in Boston they had in mind, and one more reason I wish her all the best in beating cancer.

I wouldn't call it an excuse, but I doubt the miscarriage she suffered at the start of the season (mentioned in CHB's piece--and I'm sure it's the reason he nearly missed his first start) helped much. Probably not the start to their life in Boston they had in mind, and one more reason I wish her all the best in beating cancer.